Violent video games alter brain's response to violence

[Jared Moya]

A brain mechanism that may link violent computer games with aggression has been discovered by researchers in the US. The work goes some way towards demonstrating a causal link between the two - rather than a simple association.


Many studies have concluded that people who play violent video games are more aggressive, more likely to commit violent crimes, and less likely to help others. But critics argue these correlations merely prove that violent people gravitate towards violent games, not that games can change behaviour.


Now psychologist Bruce Bartholow from the University of Missouri-Columbia and colleagues have found that people who play violent video games show diminished brain responses to images of real-life violence, such as gun attacks, but not to other emotionally disturbing pictures, such as those of dead animals, or sick children. And the reduction in response is correlated with aggressive behaviour.


The brain activity they measured, called the P300 response, is a characteristic signal seen in an EEG.


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[Lord_of_the_Dense]

P300 THIS, BIYATCH!!!

Wonder when I'm supposed to commit my fated violent crime. Oh wait...I know! The next time I play that violent game.

I think this is bunk. I grimace at dead animals. I frown at sick children.

Now excuse me while I go threaten some nuns.